Here is what you can do:

EVALUATE political materials and advertising carefully. Ask yourself: Is it positive or negative? Does it give good reasons to vote for a candidate or does it simply tear down his/her opponent?

CALL OR WRITE candidates, party leaders and the news media. Protest negative campaigning; praise positive campaigning.

SPEAK OUT at public meetings with candidates accountable for the content or lack of content in their campaign materials, advertising, debates and appearances.

SUPPORT & WORK for candidates who are represented by campaigns you believe are informative, relevant and fair.

VOTE & ENCOURAGE others to vote for candidates whose campaigns create confidence in our system of government and inspire all of us to register and vote.

USE THIS COMPARISON TO EVALUATE POLITICAL ADVERTISING.

Positive political ads are...

INFORMATIVE
They deal with qualifications and issues related to the office. They present facts, address concerns, and identify problems. They offer solutions through well thought out platforms, plans and programs.

IN CONTEXT
They present information within its true setting with supporting facts to ensure accurate interpretation by voters.

FORTHRIGHT
They clearly state to voters where the candidate stands on the important issues and candidly present his/her proposals prior to Election Day.

INSPIRING
They show leadership, raise expectation, and encourage optimism. They inspire voters to work together for the common good. They create confidence in our representative system of government and encourage participation.

A CALL TO ACTION
They tell voters how to get more information about the candidate and his/her positions on the issues. They call upon all of us to make informed decisions when we register and vote.


Negative political ads are...
NOT INFORMATIVE
They merely tear down opponents. They ignore qualifications and issues related to the office. They avoid addressing vital concerns, controversial situations and issues. They present no platforms, plans or programs.

OUT OF CONTEXT
They offer no reliable sources or remove information from its true setting so that it is misinterpreted by the readers or viewers.

EVASIVE
They hide the candidate's true position on issues and fail to present proposals prior to Election Day at the expense of the public's right to know.

DISCOURAGING
They diminish trust and confidence in all candidates and elected officials. They cater to fear or prejudice and create dissension among different groups of voters. They discourage belief and participation in our system of government.

A TURN OFF
They deal in half truths and present obstacles to informed voting. They cause some citizens to protest and express displeasure with all candidates by staying home on Election Day.

Support POSITIVE Campaigning with your VOTE
The Power of a Positive Vote
If you are tired of negative political campaign advertising, use the power of your vote for positive change. Vote for candidates who are represented by campaigns which do not mislead voters or appeal to fear or prejudice; campaigns which are built on issues, not accusations; substance, not sound bites.

Vote for candidates who discuss relevant issues, present realistic solutions, and treat opponents fairly. Vote for candidates who are constructive, informative and fair. Support candidates who display leadership, create confidence in our system of government, and inspire us to think.

You have the power of a positive vote.